Category: Criminal Defense
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State v. Bell Resets the Standard for Theft-of-Rental-Vehicle Prosecutions
In State v. Bell, 2025 UT App 169, the Utah Court of Appeals issued a significant decision that reshapes how prosecutors must approach theft-of-rental-vehicle cases. The court vacated Randi Lou…
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Lewdness in Utah
Lewdness is one of Utah’s broadest and most frequently charged sexual offenses. It covers a range of behaviors that the law considers sexually offensive, indecent, or inappropriate in public or…
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Understanding Sexual Battery in Utah
Sexual battery is one of Utah’s more commonly charged sex-related offenses — and also one of the most misunderstood. People often assume that sexual battery involves violence or coercion, but…
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Can You Raise a Statute of Limitations Violation on Appeal in Utah?
Can a defendant raise a statute of limitations (SOL) violation on appeal? The short answer is yes — but generally only if the issue was timely raised in the trial…
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What Utah’s Supreme Court Says About Your Right to Speak at Sentencing
When someone faces sentencing in Utah, they have the right to speak directly to the judge—a right called allocution. It gives a person the chance to express remorse, explain circumstances,…
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Enticing a Minor in Utah – What It Means and How the Law Works
Enticing a minor is a serious offense under Utah law, often arising from situations where no physical contact ever occurs. Instead, it begins with communication — a text, a DM,…
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The Right to Represent Yourself – And What Can Go Wrong: Lessons from State v. Bridgewaters, 2025 UT App 160
In criminal court, every defendant has the right to a lawyer — but also the right to waive that lawyer and represent themselves. It’s a serious decision with serious consequences.…
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Why Skilled Legal Representation Matters – Lessons from the Utah Court of Appeals
Everyone has the right to represent themselves in a criminal case. But two recent decisions from the Utah Court of Appeals — State v. Bridgewaters and State v. Horrocks —…
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Utah Supreme Court Narrows Right to Appeal Pretrial Detention Decisions
October 31, 2025 – The Utah Supreme Court ruled in State v. Harris, 2025 UT 48, that criminal defendants do not have an automatic right to appeal the denial of…
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Unlawful Adolescent Sexual Activity in Utah: What the Law Says About Teen Relationships
Utah’s laws on sexual activity between teenagers can be surprisingly complex — and the consequences can be serious. As of May 2025, a new provision under Utah Code §76-5-401.3 creates…
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Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a 16- or 17-Year-Old in Utah
Many people are surprised to learn that in Utah, even 16- and 17-year-olds — who are above the age of consent in many states — are still legally protected from…
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Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Utah
Sexual abuse of a minor is a serious offense under Utah law, and it’s often misunderstood. This charge doesn’t require full sexual intercourse. It covers a wide range of contact…